The construction industry is one of the most dangerous sectors in the United States. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one in five workplace fatalities nationwide occurs in the construction industry. In New York City alone, construction accidents account for approximately 25% of all workplace fatalities, with falls being the leading cause.
If you or a loved one has been injured on a construction site anywhere in New York, the Law Office of Steven Louros is here to help. Attorney Steven Louros represents injured construction workers and accident victims throughout all five boroughs and the greater New York area, including Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island.
The firm provides free consultations and handles cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
New York law generally allows injured workers three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but important exceptions and shorter deadlines may apply depending on the circumstances of the case. Speaking with a construction accident lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your rights and preserve critical evidence.
Construction accident data from the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) and federal agencies reveals how widespread the risk is for workers throughout the New York metro area.
In Manhattan, the most intense construction environment in New York City, DOB enforcement data from the 2024 Construction Safety Report reflects how active and complex job sites are across the borough. Despite heavy regulation, workers continue to be injured due to unsafe conditions on job sites throughout Midtown, Hell's Kitchen, the Far West Side, and other high-activity zones. For detailed Manhattan data, see our Manhattan construction accident lawyer page.
Brooklyn has experienced an enormous construction boom in recent years, and with that growth has come a concerning rise in job-site injuries. DOB reports show 33 construction injuries in Brooklyn during a recent reporting period. Major development in Williamsburg, Bushwick, Crown Heights, East New York, and the Pacific Park (Atlantic Yards) megaproject continues to drive construction activity across the borough. Learn more from our Brooklyn construction accident lawyer.
In the Bronx, DOB reported 17 construction incidents in early 2025 data. The borough also recorded one construction-related fatality in 2024, and another fatal accident occurred in early 2025. The surge in housing development in the South Bronx and along the Jerome Avenue corridor rezoning has increased construction activity significantly. Read more on our Bronx construction accident lawyer page.
Queens is one of the fastest-growing construction markets in New York City. DOB reports indicate 14 construction incidents in early 2025 data. Queens hosts some of the largest construction projects in the region, including major redevelopment and expansion work at JFK and LaGuardia airports, high-rise residential construction in Long Island City, and commercial development in downtown Flushing. Visit our Queens construction accident lawyer page for more.
Compared to other boroughs, Staten Island records fewer construction accidents each year, largely due to the smaller scale of construction projects in the borough. According to DOB data, Staten Island reported no construction-related fatalities in the most recent reporting period, though the borough's growing North Shore and Bay Street corridor development continues to create job-site risks. See our Staten Island construction accident lawyer page.
On Long Island, construction activity employs tens of thousands of workers across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. While Manhattan and Brooklyn account for a large share of New York City construction incidents, Long Island construction sites present their own risks, including large residential developments, LIRR station renovations, and the redevelopment of the UBS Arena and Nassau Coliseum corridor. Visit our Long Island construction accident lawyer page.
Nationwide, OSHA continues to identify falls as the leading cause of death in the construction industry, followed by struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents, known as the "Fatal Four." According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry consistently records more workplace fatalities than any other sector.
Construction accidents can occur in many different ways depending on the type of project and working conditions at the site. The Law Office of Steven Louros handles cases involving all types of construction injuries, including:
Scaffold accidents are among the most serious construction accidents in New York. Workers performing tasks at height rely on scaffolding for safe access, and when scaffolds are improperly assembled, maintained, or inspected, catastrophic falls can result. Scaffold collapses are especially common on Manhattan high-rise projects and Brooklyn residential tower construction. If you were hurt in a scaffold accident, contact our Manhattan construction accident lawyer or Brooklyn construction accident lawyer for immediate assistance.
A worker does not need to fall from a great height to suffer a devastating injury. Ladder slips, unprotected roof edges, and missing guardrails can all lead to serious falls. Many construction projects in the Bronx involve renovation or construction of residential buildings where ladder use is common. Roof falls are also a major risk on Staten Island and Long Island residential construction projects. Our Bronx construction accident lawyer, Staten Island construction accident lawyer, and Long Island construction accident lawyer can help with these cases.
Cranes are part of daily life on many New York construction sites. When a crane load shifts, rigging fails, or a crane malfunctions, workers and bystanders nearby may be struck or crushed. Large residential towers and infrastructure projects in Queens and Manhattan frequently rely on cranes and hoisting equipment. Our Queens construction accident lawyer handles crane accident cases involving projects at JFK, LaGuardia, and throughout the borough.
Workers may be struck by falling materials, tools, debris, or equipment on busy construction sites. On vertically structured sites, workers below face the risk of being hit by objects dropped from above. These accidents are common across all boroughs and on Long Island commercial construction sites.
Construction work involving electrical systems or near existing power lines can expose workers to serious electrocution hazards. Renovation and build-out work in existing buildings can expose workers to live wiring, temporary power systems, or incorrectly labeled electrical panels. Construction projects near transit lines or electrical infrastructure in the Bronx and Brooklyn are especially dangerous for electrical accidents.
Excavation work for underground utilities, sewer lines, or foundations can create dangerous trench conditions. When trenches are not properly shored or sloped, collapses can trap workers underneath tons of earth. Brooklyn's aging underground infrastructure and the Bronx's growing utility construction mean trenching accidents remain a serious concern.
Construction equipment such as forklifts, loaders, bulldozers, and other heavy machinery are commonly used on large development projects. Workers may be pinned, struck, or crushed when equipment malfunctions or is operated unsafely. These accidents occur frequently on large Long Island residential developments and Queens commercial construction sites.
Workers constructing new buildings may be exposed to open floor areas or incomplete stairways. Without proper barriers, guardrails, or covers, these openings create fall hazards that can result in serious injuries. This type of accident is common on Long Island new construction projects.
Temporary elevators and hoists are common on high-rise construction projects. When they malfunction or are improperly maintained, workers using them can be seriously injured. Manhattan high-rise projects frequently rely on construction elevators.
New York provides some of the strongest legal protections for injured construction workers in the country. Three key statutes are especially important for workers injured on construction sites.
Labor Law §240 requires property owners and contractors to provide proper safety equipment to protect workers from elevation-related hazards such as falling from heights or being struck by falling objects. This includes scaffolding, ladders, safety harnesses, hoists, and other protective devices.
If a worker is injured due to unsafe scaffolding, ladders, or other equipment designed to protect against gravity-related risks, the law may hold property owners and general contractors strictly liable, meaning they can be responsible even without proof of direct negligence.
Labor Law §241(6) requires construction site owners and contractors to follow detailed safety regulations contained in the New York Industrial Code. These rules cover a wide range of construction activities and safety requirements, from hard hat requirements to trench shoring standards.
If a violation of a specific Industrial Code provision contributed to the accident, this law may provide the basis for a claim against property owners and general contractors.
Labor Law §200 is a general workplace safety law that requires property owners and contractors to maintain safe working conditions for construction workers. It addresses the duty to provide workers with a reasonably safe workplace and to follow safe methods of construction.
Workers' compensation benefits may cover medical treatment and a portion of lost wages, but workers' compensation does not cover pain and suffering, full lost earning capacity, or other important damages. These labor laws allow many injured workers to pursue additional compensation through third-party lawsuits against property owners, general contractors, and other responsible parties beyond the direct employer.
For a detailed explanation of how these laws apply in specific boroughs, see our Manhattan construction accident lawyer, Brooklyn construction accident lawyer, Bronx construction accident lawyer, Queens construction accident lawyer, Staten Island construction accident lawyer, and Long Island construction accident lawyer pages.
Construction accidents often involve multiple companies working on the same job site. When unsafe conditions cause injuries, more than one party may bear legal responsibility. Determining who is legally responsible requires a detailed investigation of the construction site and the safety practices of every company involved.
Potentially liable parties may include:
Public works and city-connected projects can also raise claims involving municipal or quasi-public entities. Cases involving public projects often move under different procedural rules and may require earlier notice of claim filings.
At the Law Office of Steven Louros, we conduct comprehensive investigations to identify all liable parties and hold them accountable.
A serious construction accident can affect every part of a worker's life. Depending on the circumstances of the case, injured workers may be entitled to compensation for several types of damages.
Workers' compensation benefits may cover medical expenses related to the workplace injury and a portion of lost wages. However, workers' compensation does not cover pain and suffering, full lost earning capacity, or other important damages.
Third-party personal injury lawsuits under New York Labor Law may allow injured workers to pursue additional compensation, including:
In tragic cases involving fatal construction accidents, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims for additional damages including loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and emotional distress.
Every case is different. The value of a claim depends on the severity of the injury, the available insurance coverage, and the facts of the case. Speaking with a construction accident lawyer during a free consultation can help injured workers understand the full scope of compensation that may be available.
The Law Office of Steven Louros represents injured construction workers throughout New York City and the surrounding region. Each borough and area presents unique construction risks, and our firm provides localized representation tailored to the specific conditions of your job site.
Manhattan is the most intense construction environment in New York City. The borough's constantly changing skyline creates special hazards across areas such as Midtown, Hell's Kitchen, and the Far West Side. Manhattan construction sites are heavily regulated, but regulation alone does not prevent all accidents. Workers injured in Manhattan face unique challenges related to high-rise construction, crane operations, scaffold work, and underground utility projects.
Speak with a Manhattan Construction Accident LawyerConstruction work has helped transform Brooklyn's skyline over the last decade, but the pace of development has also brought a significant increase in job-site injuries. DOB reports show 33 construction injuries in Brooklyn during a recent reporting period. Major development in Williamsburg, Bushwick, Crown Heights, East New York, Downtown Brooklyn, and the Pacific Park megaproject continues to drive construction activity. Many Brooklyn projects are smaller residential conversions and renovations with smaller crews and fewer safety resources, which can increase the risk of accidents.
Speak with a Brooklyn Construction Accident LawyerConstruction activity has increased significantly across the Bronx in recent years, driven largely by housing development and infrastructure improvements. DOB reported 17 construction incidents in early 2025 data, and the borough recorded one construction-related fatality in 2024 and another in early 2025. Major development areas include the South Bronx mixed-income housing projects, the Jerome Avenue corridor rezoning, and ongoing maintenance and renovation work at large housing complexes such as Co-op City.
Speak with a Bronx Construction Accident LawyerQueens has become one of the fastest-growing construction markets in New York City, with DOB reports indicating 14 construction incidents in early 2025 data. Long Island City has transformed into a major residential and commercial construction hub with high-rise towers. Queens also hosts major infrastructure projects at JFK and LaGuardia airports involving heavy equipment, cranes, and complex work environments. Downtown Flushing and the East Side Access rail project add additional construction activity.
Speak with a Queens Construction Accident LawyerConstruction projects across Staten Island continue to reshape the borough's neighborhoods, waterfront areas, and infrastructure. While Staten Island records fewer construction accidents than other boroughs, the borough's growing North Shore and Bay Street corridor development creates job-site risks. Many Staten Island construction sites involve smaller residential developments and renovation projects where workers may face risks from limited safety oversight.
Speak with a Staten Island Construction Accident LawyerConstruction activity on Long Island continues to grow as residential communities expand and commercial development increases across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. In Nassau County, areas such as Garden City, Mineola, and Hempstead have experienced steady commercial and residential development. Suffolk County has seen significant construction expansion across communities such as Babylon, Huntington, and Islip. Major infrastructure improvements include LIRR station renovations and the redevelopment of the UBS Arena and Nassau Coliseum corridor.
Speak with a Long Island Construction Accident LawyerIf you are injured on a construction site, taking the right steps can help protect both your health and your legal rights.
Seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries may not be immediately obvious but can worsen without prompt treatment. A medical evaluation also creates a documented record connecting your injuries to the accident.
Report the accident to your supervisor and ensure that an official written incident report is created. If possible, keep a copy for your records.
Photograph the accident scene, your injuries, and any equipment involved if you are physically able to do so. Visual evidence can be critical in construction accident cases.
Gather the names and contact information of witnesses who saw the accident occur.
Do not give recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters may use your statements to minimize your claim.
File a workers' compensation claim with the New York State Workers' Compensation Board promptly, including the necessary forms and medical documentation.
Contact a construction accident lawyer as soon as possible. Evidence from construction sites can disappear quickly as work continues, and deadlines for legal claims may be shorter than expected. The Law Office of Steven Louros offers free consultations and can advise you on the best course of action for your specific situation.
Construction accident cases require a deep understanding of New York Labor Law and how it applies to real-world job-site conditions. The Law Office of Steven Louros focuses on protecting the rights of individuals injured due to unsafe working conditions on construction sites throughout New York.
Steven Louros works directly with clients to understand the details of each case and to build the strongest possible claim. The firm partners with safety experts, engineers, and medical professionals to uncover all evidence supporting each client's case.
The firm serves New York's diverse construction workforce with dedicated multilingual staff:
The firm provides free consultations and represents clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no legal fees unless the firm recovers compensation on their behalf.
Call (212) 481-5275 or (718) 423-0448
Most construction accident lawsuits in New York must generally be filed within three years of the accident, though some exceptions and shorter deadlines may apply. Claims involving public projects or government entities often require earlier notice of claim filings. Speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible is important to protect your rights.
Usually, workers' compensation is the main remedy against the direct employer, which means you often cannot sue your employer directly for a workplace injury. However, injured workers may be able to pursue third-party lawsuits against property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and other parties whose negligence contributed to the accident.
New York Labor Law §240, often called the Scaffolding Law, requires owners and contractors to provide proper protection for workers exposed to elevation-related hazards such as scaffold falls, ladder falls, and falling objects. If these protections fail or are missing, property owners and general contractors may be held strictly liable for the worker's injuries.
Yes. Immigration status does not automatically prevent workers from seeking workers' compensation benefits or pursuing personal injury claims under New York Labor Law. Workers have the right to seek compensation regardless of their documentation status.
Workers' compensation is a no-fault system that typically covers medical care and a portion of lost wages. However, it does not cover pain and suffering, full lost earning capacity, or other significant damages. A personal injury lawsuit under New York Labor Law may allow injured workers to recover additional compensation from responsible third parties such as property owners and general contractors.
In many cases, workers' compensation covers medical treatment related to the job-site injury if the claim is accepted. If a third-party personal injury claim is also pursued, medical costs may be included as part of the overall damages sought.
Yes. The firm represents injured construction workers throughout all five boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island — as well as Long Island including Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Report it anyway and seek medical attention immediately. Pressure, intimidation, or attempts to keep an injury off the record do not eliminate a worker's legal rights. Workers are protected from retaliation for reporting workplace injuries.
You may still have a claim, but cases involving public projects often move under different procedural rules and may require earlier deadlines, including a notice of claim that must be filed much sooner than the general statute of limitations.
Equipment manufacturers or contractors responsible for maintaining equipment may be liable if defective or poorly maintained tools or machinery contributed to the construction accident.
Photographs of the accident scene and your injuries, witness names and contact information, accident reports, medical records, and any equipment involved are all important evidence. Construction sites change quickly as work continues, so preserving evidence as soon as possible is critical.
Yes. Workers do not need to belong to a union to pursue compensation after a construction accident. Labor Law protections apply to union and non-union workers alike.
In some cases, homeowners may be liable depending on the circumstances and the type of construction work being performed. New York Labor Law provides certain protections to workers on residential projects, though specific exemptions may apply in limited situations.
Yes. Language barriers do not prevent injured workers from pursuing legal claims. The Law Office of Steven Louros provides multilingual support in Chinese, Korean, and Spanish to serve New York's diverse construction workforce.
New York follows a comparative negligence system, meaning injured workers may still be able to recover compensation even if they share some responsibility for the accident. The amount of compensation may be reduced based on the worker's share of fault, but partial responsibility does not automatically eliminate a legal claim.
If you were injured on a construction site anywhere in New York — whether in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, or on Long Island — the Law Office of Steven Louros can help you understand your legal rights and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
Evidence from construction sites can disappear quickly. Deadlines for legal claims may be shorter than expected. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible can help protect your case.
Contact us for a FREE consultation — No Fee Unless We Win.
Call (212) 481-5275
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